Whereis Navigator Released for Pocket PCs

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://navigator.whereis.com/default.asp' target='_blank'>http://navigator.whereis.com/default.asp</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Whereis® Navigator is the low-cost and innovative wireless GPS navigation solution for compatible mobile phones and Pocket PCs. With real-time, turn-by turn vehicle navigation, and access to regularly updated maps and points-of-interest, you'll always know where you are and where you're going. You could be lost without it."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050803-WhereisNavigator.jpg" /><br /><br />Australian company, <a href="http://www.about.sensis.com.au/?referrer=sensiscorp">Sensis</a>, has just released <a href="http://navigator.whereis.com/default.asp">Whereis Navigator</a> for GPS-enabled Pocket PCs. The features look promising, so be sure to check out <a href="http://navigator.whereis.com/_upload/files/webpage.html">this Flash presentation</a> if you're interested in seeing what the product is capable of. Note that Whereis Navigator is compatible with the hw6500 Mobile Messenger series.

[Muntasser]

1. how much does it cost?
2. site doesn't show compatibility with X50's! wah! any word otherwise?

Cheers
-M

[Darius Wey]

1. how much does it cost?

Pricing is listed on their product page. 14 months (12 months + 2 months free) is A$299, whilst 6 months is $149.

2. site doesn't show compatibility with X50's! wah! any word otherwise?

The current release does appear to be compatible only with the hw6500, though I'm pretty sure future releases will have full support for any other GPS-enabled Pocket PC. Note that you would still need to purchase a CF-GPS module or a Bluetooth GPS unit for your X50.

[disconnected]

It will be interesting to hear how well this works in practice. Are GPRS data pricing plans in Australia reasonable enough for this not to be quite expensive (on top of the yearly navigation subscription), and is GPRS coverage complete enough to not be driving through large black holes or going way off course waiting to be rerouted? I've heard of other navigation software that makes some use of real-time traffic/construction info, but the maps and routing are still on the PPC.

[UCCOFFEE]

australia gprs data plan is far from reasonalbe
eg. vodafone $19.95 a month 5MB then 0.39c/KB OR $49.95 unlimited with Fair use policy applies** &lt;--- not including any call

[Darius Wey]

It will be interesting to hear how well this works in practice. Are GPRS data pricing plans in Australia reasonable enough for this not to be quite expensive (on top of the yearly navigation subscription)...

Years ago, you'd have to fork out big bucks for a decent GPRS plan, though things have changed a little since then. You can now get by on an unlimited plan (AUP) for around A$49.95. It still doesn't compare to the cheap data plans going around in America and Europe.

...and is GPRS coverage complete enough to not be driving through large black holes or going way off course waiting to be rerouted?

Coverage is very decent around the city areas (serving at least 90% of the nation's population).

I would have given Whereis Navigator a test run, but alas, I don't have GPS functionality on my Pocket PC. :(